Ratings Update: Lincoln weekend

The Flat was back with a bang on Saturday and so was Ryan Moore, who went close to landing a four-timer in the four ITV races from Doncaster on Lincoln day.

The first of his winners was Tupi, who won a well-up-to-scratch renewal of the listed Cammidge Trophy by four lengths. Though Tupi had a fitness edge over a few of his main rivals, he is worth crediting with a career-best display (now Timeform rated 117 from 111). Though early season form is often worth treating with some sort of caution, he will be worth his place back at a higher level after this, and a well-run six furlongs (a trip he has not had many goes at) seems ideal.

Moore was on board another improver in the next race, the Spring Mile, as Ballet Concerto picked up where he left off at three (gelded in the meantime) to enhance his good strike-rate (now won three of his last four starts). He is now rated 111 (from 109), and could easily end up a listed/minor pattern class performer given his yard and the fact he is still low mileage. Both Strong Steps and Sacred Act (both unchanged on 100 and 108, respectively) raced in the wrong group (near side) and shouldn’t be given up on yet.

The second listed contest of the day was the Doncaster Mile, the starting place last year for Lockinge winner Belardo, though it would seem unlikely that this year’s winner Kool Kompany (114 from 112) will be following up in Group 1 company at Newbury. This year’s renewal was no more than up-to-par, with Stormy Antarctic, who brought French Group 1 form into the race, a bit below his best in second (remains on 119), and Crazy Horse (116 from 118) disappointing.

Like the Spring Mile, the Lincoln was also influenced by the draw, and Daniel Tudhope dropping the winner Bravery in to the favoured far side from a high stall at the start was key. Though Bravery clearly got an excellent ride (probably also benefitted from making his challenge later than the second Oh This Is Us) he is worth crediting with improvement, and is now Timeform-rated 112 (from 103). Considering he had form for Aidan O’Brien over considerably longer trips, he will remain of interest. Oh This Is Us (up 4 lb to 116) came very close to landing a four-timer for Ryan Moore and hasn’t had many runs at a mile (which clearly suits), so will also remain of interest. Yuften (remains on 115), favourite until the Moore gamble, was below par for the first time since joining Roger Charlton, but is well worth another chance having raced on the unfavoured side.

Both of the successful Godolphin newcomers in the three-year-old maidens on Doncaster’s Sunday card will be of interest in the future. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Derby-entered Benbatl (99p) and Guineas-entered Dream Castle (98P) show up in listed/pattern company next time out. Chemical Charge (116) didn’t have to improve to take the conditions race later on the card but did win easily and, lightly raced for a five-year-old, should have more to offer this season.

There was some good-quality Flat action at Kempton on Saturday, too, with Absolute Blast (remains on 110) taking the listed Magnolia Stakes, before a double for Mick Appleby/Silvestre de Sousa courtesy of Hakam (102 from 98) and Big Country (103p, up 5 lb). The latter won the competitive Rosebery Handicap with ease and looks one to follow, with a potential switch back to turf holding few fears given his previous form in Ireland.

The listed Cork Stakes on Sunday saw a most-impressive winner in the form of Downforce, who scored by a margin (12 lengths) rarely seen in sprints. Given the heavy ground, it is hard to get a grip on exactly what he achieved, but he has evidently returned an improved model and is now rated 120 (from 107).

Understandably, given the time of year, quality jumps action was sparse, though Willie Mullins landed a useful Grade 2 treble at Fairyhouse on Sunday. He kicked off with Ballycasey (161) in the Normans Grove Chase, and followed up with Bleu Berry (143p from 141p) and Al Boum Photo (142p from 132p) in the two Grade 2 novice hurdles. The latter pair are progressive and are both likely to stay further than the trips they were winning over on Sunday if required, so will have plenty of options going forward.